Academy School of Motoring - Driving Test Info

The Theory Test
You are required to pass the theory test and the hazard perception test before taking the practical driving test.

The theory test requires you to answer 50 multi-choice questions in 57 minutes with the pass mark set at 43 out of 50 (86%). This test consists of multiple-choice questions which will appear on a computer screen in front of you. You use a touch screen system to enter your answers just by touching the box next to the listed answers. You have 57 minutes to complete this test. The questions are based on the Highway Code and other road safety issues.

Hazard Perception
This element of the theory test is delivered on a computer. It consists of a series of 14 video clips which feature everyday road scenes. Each clip contains a developing hazard. One clip contains two developing hazards. You are asked to click on a button on the mouse as soon as you see a hazard developing. To achieve a high score you will need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of it’s development. Marks are rewarded on a decreasing scale from 5 to 1 depending on how soon you see the hazard. Clicking too many times will disqualify you, resulting in no marks for that particular clip. You have approximately 15 minutes to complete this part of the test.

Practical Driving Test
Has been designed to see if you:

• can drive safely
• know The Highway Code and can demonstrate this through your driving.

The test will start with an eyesight test (if you fail this, your test will not continue). After the eyesight test you will be examined on your general driving and on two reversing exercises. The reversing exercises will be chosen from:

• reversing around a corner
• turning in the road
• reverse parking

You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise. A standard driving test takes about 40 minutes.

During the driving test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. Test routes are designed to be as uniform as possible and will include a range of typical road and traffic conditions. During the test, the examiner will ask you to carry out set exercises. Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor has taught you. If you make a mistake, don’t worry about it, it might be a less serious driving fault and may not affect your result. The examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving.

You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped. You are allowed to take someone with you on the test, this person must be over 16 years old and cannot take any part in the test.